This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Four more areas had their Local Broadband Plans approved, meaning 15 of the 47 projects are now ready to begin taking superfast broadband to homes and businesses in their area.

The latest areas to have their plans approved are:

Kent and Medway Councils

Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

Lincolnshire

Hampshire, City of Portsmouth, City of Southampton

“I have been impressed by the enthusiasm the majority of councils have shown for seizing the opportunity to roll-out superfast broadband,” said Communications Minister Ed Vaizey. “I am disappointed that a few councils seem to have slipped behind schedule and I will be seeking urgent talks with these councils to ensure they understand the need to make real progress quickly. We do not intend to continue to fund councils if they continue to fail to deliver.”

Extra funding

Mr Vaizey also announced today that the Government has unlocked potential European funding of around £100million which local authorities can apply for to help fund their broadband plans. That comes on top of the £630million (made up of £530m from the Spending Review and £100m for super-connected cities) currently being invested by the Government to ensure the UK has the best broadband network in Europe by 2015.

Government has also produced new guidance for broadband projects applying for funding from the European Regional Development Fund.